[ad_1]
The AFL has backflipped on plans to hold a minute’s silence before all AFLW matches this weekend in honour of the late Queen Elizabeth II due to associated cultural insensitivities.
It’s Indigenous Round in season seven of the AFLW, but a Welcome to Country was sensationally scrapped in the first match of the weekend – with players instead taking part in a minute’s silence for the late monarch.
As players from both Fremantle and the Western Bulldogs stood together in arms, Culture is Life CEO Belinda Duarte took the microphone to announce the last minute change following her majesty’s passing in the early hours of Friday morning.
Watch every match prior to the AFL grand final Live & Ad-Break Free In-Play on Kayo. New to Kayo? Start your free trial now >
“Unfortunately due to sorry business a Welcome to Country was unable to be conducted today,” she told the crowd at Ikon Park.
“We send our deepest condolences to the families who have been affected by this and with respect to families and community, we stand in silence with you also today.
“Together we will play in honour and celebration of First Peoples across this country.”
Players from both the Dockers and Dogs still exchanged a pre-game gift after the moment for the Queen in the centre of the ground.
The AFL had sent a memo to all clubs, acknowledging that a minute’s silence would be observed before both finals and all AFLW and VFL matches this weekend.
But by Saturday morning, the decision to observe the minute’s silence for the late Queen had been canned.
“As AFLW Season 7 are Indigenous Rounds, all existing plans to respect and honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples will proceed as planned,” the AFL wrote in a memo to all 18 clubs.
It’s believed the 16 clubs provided feedback that the minute’s silence should be reconsidered this weekend in AFLW, but reports claim there was no demand made for the tribute to be scrapped entirely.
In the first of the four Saturday matches, ground announcer Elspeth Hussey introduced the Indigenous Round proceedings that were missing from the Friday afternoon contest.
“Today is all about acknowledging the contribution that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities make to our great game of Australian rules football,” she said.
A total of 22 current AFLW players identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander this season.
As part of Indigenous Round celebrations, all 18 clubs will wear specifically designed jumpers for both rounds three and four.
[ad_2]
Source link
